Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

OneWeb

Lord Bowness: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to their acquisition of a share of OneWeb on 3 July 2020, what loss was made by OneWeb at the time of purchase; how many directors are on the board of OneWeb; how many of those board members they have appointed; who they have appointed to the board of OneWeb; and whether they have a veto in relation to OneWeb’s (1) company policy, or (2) disposal of shares.

Lord Callanan: OneWeb has now raised $2.4bn of equity commitments from investors and while the most recent funding rounds are going through standard regulatory approval processes, we expect the company to begin generating revenues and profit in the coming years following the introduction of commercial services.There are currently eight directors on the board, of which the Government holds three seats. These roles are currently filled by Hugo Robson (BEIS), Tom Cooper (UK Government Investments), and Rob Woodward (Chair of the Met Office). The board will expand in the coming months as recent investments receive regulatory clearance and independent directors are appointed.The Government benefits from a number of board and shareholder reserved matters including some specific Government-reserved matters related to, among other things, the future sale of the company, future access to OneWeb technology and veto rights on the grounds of national security.

Department for Education

STEM Subjects: Training

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve access to STEM training and resources for both (1) employed, and (2) unemployed individuals.

Baroness Berridge: The noble Lord is aware that this government recognises the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and Technical Education. Our many existing reforms aimed at boosting technical education include the introduction of employer-led standards in apprenticeships; launching T levels; growing the higher-level technical qualifications market; establishing Institutes of Technology across the country; and focusing Skills Bootcamps and Free Courses for Jobs on sectors that are key to the economy such as engineering, construction and digital. We also support those who do not have the required level of maths qualifications through the requirement for 16-18 year olds to continue to study maths as part of their programmes, an entitlement for adults and embedding maths in apprenticeships and traineeships.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Gaza: Humanitarian Aid

Baroness Sheehan: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 8 June (HL535), what information was contained in the (1) “qualitative analysis”, and (2) “sectoral analysis of thematic trends”.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: During the FCDO ODA allocation process, officials considered the risks and impacts across overall bilateral programming to inform their advice to Ministers. An overarching Equalities Impact Assessment analysed impacts across bilateral country spend and this was considered by Ministers as they reviewed plans. The assessment showed no evidence that programmes targeting those with protected characteristics are more likely to be reduced or discontinued than other programmes.The internal allocations process also assessed alignment with the Strategic Framework for ODA, alongside UK capabilities and comparative advantage to deliver, and our public and legal commitments.

Jerusalem: Religious Buildings

Baroness Sheehan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the reports of increasing number of incursions by Jewish settlers into the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, and (2) the calls by extremist groups for raids to take place on the Mosque during Muslim holidays.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government strongly condemns all forms of violence and incitement to violence, including the use of racist, hateful or anti-Palestinian language and any actions that could stir up hatred and prejudice. We are concerned by the number of Palestinians, including children, killed in the West Bank and Gaza. In instances where there have been accusations of excessive use of force, we urge the Government of Israel to conduct swift and transparent investigations. We welcome the efforts of Israeli authorities to address settler violence, and urge them to thoroughly investigate every instance to bring those responsible to justice and end the culture of impunity. We continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population.

Israel: Palestinians

Baroness Sheehan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they will make to the government of Israel about reports of sexual threats made to Palestinian women during raids in Hebron by Israeli soldiers and settlers.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We expect any such allegations to be thoroughly investigated by the Israeli authorities. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the occupation. We continue to stress the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population.

Vietnam: Coronavirus

The Earl of Sandwich: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many COVID-19 vaccines the UK has supplied to Vietnam; and what assessment they have made of (1) how they are being distributed, and (2) which age groups are receiving them.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK has provided £548m support to the COVAX Advanced Market Commitment (AMC), supporting up to 92 developing economies to access vaccines. This includes Vietnam, which has received 2,493,600 AstraZeneca doses through COVAX to date. The UK has also donated £1 million to ASEAN's Comprehensive Recovery Fund, which will be used to procure vaccine donations for ASEAN member states.On 28 July the Foreign Secretary announced a donation of Covid-19 vaccines to Vietnam as part of the first tranche of the 100 million vaccines the Prime Minister pledged the UK would share within the next year at last month's G7 in Cornwall. We are working to deliver these vaccines as quickly as possible.Vietnam's national vaccination programme is currently focused on priority groups, including medical workers, those over 65 years of age and those with chronic diseases.

British Council: Finance

Lord Jones of Cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the British Council regarding the decision to reduce funding to that organisation; what assessment they have made of the impact of the closures of British Council offices that have resulted from the funding cuts; and what assessment they have made of the compatibility of their decision with their Global Britain policy.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The government remains committed to the British Council. As the Integrated Review made clear, the Council is one of the vital instruments of our influence overseas. We agreed a 2021/22 Spending Review settlement totalling £189m, a 27% increase on funding for 2020/21. The Council will continue to operate in over 100 countries promoting the English language, UK arts and culture, and education. Our commitment to Global Britain is clear through our hosting of the G7 last month, and the UK continues to be a soft power superpower.

North Korea: Human Rights

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to respond to the findings and recommendations of the report of the All Party Parliamentary Group on North Korea Inquiry into Human Rights Violations in North Korea 2014–2020, published on 20 July.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK government notes the report of the All Party Parliamentary Group on North Korea Inquiry into Human Rights Violations in North Korea from 2014-2020, published on Tuesday 20 July. The UK remains extremely concerned by the human rights situation in North Korea, as G7 leaders made clear on 13 June, and G7 Foreign Ministers also stated on 5 May. We will review the Report's findings and recommendations and consider how the UK government can continue to address the appalling human rights situation in the country.

Electronic Surveillance: Mobile Phones

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the reported targeting of human rights activists, journalists and lawyers across the world by governments using hacking software sold by NSO Group; and what steps, if any, they plan to take to protect those affected by such targeting.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of these reports. This is a matter for the company and Israeli regulators. The UK works closely with allies around the world to tackle cyber threats and improve our overall global resilience to attacks. It is vital that all cyber actors use capabilities in a way that is legal, responsible and proportionate to ensure cyberspace remains a safe and prosperous place for everyone.

Republic of Ireland

Lord Kilclooney: To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the departure of the UK from the EU, whether the country of Ireland is formally called (1)the Republic of Ireland, or (2) Ireland, in UK law.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It is the UK Government's policy to refer to the country of Ireland as 'Ireland', as can be seen in the latest FCDO geographical names index (March 2021) available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/geographical-names-and-information. The UK's departure from the EU has not changed this.

Land Mines

Lord Jones of Cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government why theyhave withdrawn support for mine clearance in (1) Lebanon, (2) Sri Lanka, and (3) Vietnam; and what impact they expect this will have on future trade deals with those countries.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is a leading donor in mine action. Our mine action funding saves lives, limbs and livelihoods across the world, supporting those most in need and delivering UK treaty obligations. Since 2018, UK funding has cleared and confirmed safe over 397 million square metres, the equivalent of 55,600 football pitches, and delivered life-saving risk education to 3.2 million people living in mine-affected communities.The UK continues to fund mine action in Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Development and global prosperity are at the heart of UK trade and investment policy and the Department for International Trade remains committed to enhancing its bilateral economic relationship with Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

North Korea: Crimes against Humanity

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on the international rule of law and the authority of the United Nations of the non-implementation of the recommendation of the 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry to refer evidence of crimes against humanity in North Korea to the UN Security Council for investigation by the International Criminal Court.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains extremely concerned by the appalling human rights situation in North Korea, as we made clear alongside G7 leaders on 13 June and G7 Foreign and Development Ministers on 5 May. The international community has a responsibility to respond to human rights violations in North Korea. The UK continues to press for annual debate in the UN Security Council on DPRK human rights issues. We welcome and support the annual Human Rights Council and UNGA Third Committee resolutions on human rights in North Korea which stress the importance of following up recommendations from the UN Commission of Inquiry Report on Human Rights in the DPRK, and provide the basis for further work on a credible framework for accountability for human rights violations in the country.

Tigray: Armed Conflict

Lord Jones of Cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representationsthey have made to the government of Ethiopia about the alleged use of starvation as a weapon of war in Tigray.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Government is deeply concerned about the grave humanitarian situation in Ethiopia and combatants, including Eritrean armed forces, denying access to humanitarian agencies. Over 350,000 people are assessed to be in famine-like conditions - more than anywhere else in the world. The UK's Special Envoy for Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs, Nick Dyer visited Tigray in May and concluded that region-wide famine in Tigray is now likely if conflict intensifies and impediments to the delivery of humanitarian aid continue.The UK has consistently called for protection of civilians and unfettered humanitarian access, including in our joint statements with the G7 and directly with Prime Minister Abiy. The Minister for Africa raised this with the Minister of Peace in her visit to the UK in July. The UK Ambassador to Ethiopia has also raised our concerns on multiple occasions to the Government. We continue to push for those responsible for atrocities to be held to account including at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) where I set out on 2 July our concerns at the continued lack of progress in delivering humanitarian access to Tigray.

North Korea: Crimes against Humanity

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the determination of the 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry into North Korea that crimes against humanity were committed by the government of that country, and (2) the reasons why the report was not laid before the UN Security Council; andwhether they will take steps to encourage the report to be laid before the Security Council.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: It is for competent courts to decide whether specific crimes have occurred and who is responsible for having carried them out. The UK continues to press for annual debate in the UN Security Council on DPRK human rights issues. We welcome and support the annual Human Rights Council and UNGA Third Committee resolutions on human rights in North Korea, which stress the importance of following up recommendations from the UN Commission of Inquiry Report on Human Rights in the DPRK, and provide the basis for further work on a credible framework for accountability for human rights violations in the country.

North Korea: Crimes against Humanity

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry into North Korea, what steps they have takenfollowing the passage of Resolution 69/188 by the UN General Assembly to refer the situation in that country to the International Criminal Court.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains deeply concerned by the appalling human rights situation in North Korea and is fully committed to the principle that there must be no impunity for the most serious international crimes. Since Resolution 69/188 was adopted by the General Assembly on 18 December 2014, the UK has continued to maintain a high level of engagement at the UN on the situation, continuing to press for annual debate on North Korean human rights issues in the UN Security Council, and working to secure a robust resolution on human rights in the DPRK at the annual Human Rights Council. North Korea is not a party to the Rome Statute and is unlikely to accept the International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction ad hoc; therefore referral to the ICC would have to be through a UNSC resolution. We judge that there would not be the required support among the members of the Security Council for such a resolution.

Israel: Gaza

Baroness Janke: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about that government’s ban on bringing construction raw materials into the Gaza Strip; and what assessment they have made of the impact of this ban on efforts to repair damage to Gaza’s water and sewage infrastructure caused by the conflict in May.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza on 20 May, which is an important step to ending the cycle of violence and loss of civilian life. The UK priority now is ensuring timely humanitarian access into and out of Gaza, including for essential health services. We are urging the Government of Israel to ensure this access is maintained. We have made clear our concern about the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza, including significant damage and destruction of civilian infrastructure including homes, schools, hospitals, and clinics.

Israel: Arms Trade

Baroness Janke: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister for Middle East and North Africa on 15 June (UIN900776), what assessment they have made of whether British arms exported to Israel have been used in assaults on Palestinian (1) people, and (2) property, in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; and what assessment they have made of the implications of any such use for the UK’s export control responsibilities.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: HM Government takes its export control responsibilities very seriously and operates one of the most robust arms export control regimes in the world. We consider all export applications thoroughly against a strict risk assessment framework and keep all licences under careful and continual review as standard. HM Government will not grant an export licence if to do so would be inconsistent with the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. If extant licences are found to be no longer consistent with the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, those licences will be revoked. HM Government publishes quarterly and annual statistics on all export licensing decisions, including details of export licences granted, refused and revoked. These can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/strategic-export-controls-licensing-data.

China: Human Rights

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking in the United Nations tohighlight human rights abuses in China.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government has led international efforts to hold China to account for its human rights violations in Xinjiang. On 22 June, a global UK diplomatic effort helped deliver the support of 44 countries for a statement on Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet at the UN Human Rights Council. This followed a statement by 39 countries at the UN General Assembly Third Committee in October 2020. The UK led the first two statements on Xinjiang at the UN, in 2019 and 2020 respectively, and the FCDO has utilised its diplomatic network to raise the issue up the international agenda. The Foreign Secretary urged China to grant urgent and unfettered access to Xinjiang for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights or another independent fact-finding expert in a personal address to the UN Human Rights Council on 22 February. We will continue to work closely with our partners and take every opportunity to hold China to account for its human rights violations at the UN.

Israel: Palestinians

Baroness Janke: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports this month that the Israeli military blocked the UN from delivering aid to Palestinians whose homes had been demolished in the Jordan Valley.

Baroness Janke: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the statement by the UN Resident Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory on 9 July that attempts by Israeli authorities to force the Palestinian community of Humsa Al Bqai’a to relocate to an alternative location raise "a serious risk of forcible transfer".

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of these reports. The UK regularly raises the issue of demolitions and forced evictions of Palestinians from their homes with the Government of Israel, most recently on 12 July. The Foreign Secretary raised ongoing evictions, demolitions and settlement activity with the Israeli Authorities during his visit to the region on 26 May. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and are clear that in all but the most exceptional of circumstances, evictions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Seed Potatoes: Imports

Lord Forsyth of Drumlean: To ask Her Majesty's Government why seed potatoes cannot be imported from EU countries; and what assessment they have made of the impact of this restriction on the industry.

Lord Benyon: Imported seed potatoes are subject to both plant health and marketing requirements. GB plant health legislation permits seed potatoes to be imported only from the EU, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. There is no plant health reason that seed potatoes cannot be imported from the EU, provided individual consignments meet the required standards. However, GB marketing legislation requires seed potato production and certification systems of countries exporting to GB to be recognised as equivalent to those of GB. Following the end of the transition period marking the UK's departure from the EU, a 6 month temporary authorisation to market EU seed potatoes in GB was granted, to give time for industry to adapt to the new requirements. Following consultation with industry, the authorisation expired as planned on 30 June and applications to market imported seed potatoes from the EU will now be considered on a case-by-case basis. This approach recognises the fact that the UK is broadly self-sufficient in the total quantity of seed potato production, while retaining a mechanism to consider future marketing authorisations as necessary.Defra, in collaboration with the devolved administrations, remained in communication with the potato industry prior to, throughout and following the temporary authorisation period in order to assess the impact of policy decisions. It was recognised that extension or expiration of the temporary authorisation would have different impacts on different sectors of the industry. Primary industry stakeholders such as the British Potato Trade Association (BPTA), the Fresh Potato Suppliers Association (FPSA), the Potato Processors' Association (PPA) and the National Farming Unions, who between them represent all sectors of the potato industry, all contributed to the evidence to support the final decision.

Home Office

Common Travel Area

Lord Kilclooney: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there is a Common Travel Area between the Republic of Ireland and the UK; whether there is freedom of movement between the Republic of Ireland and the EU; whether there are border checks on EU citizens travelling from the Republic of Ireland to Great Britain; and whether there are border checks on the movement of EU citizens, not from the Republic of Ireland, travelling through Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK.

Lord Greenhalgh: The Common Travel Area (CTA) facilitates the free movement of people between the between the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey).As part of the CTA arrangements, the UK does not operate routine immigration controls on journeys from Ireland to the UK, including from Ireland to Great Britain. There are no immigration checks whatsoever on the Northern Ireland-Ireland land border. However, individuals arriving in the UK, regardless of where they enter from, must do so in line with the UK’s immigration framework and we work closely with the Irish Government to prevent abuse of the CTA.There are no border controls for travel within the UK including from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.Whether there is freedom of movement between Ireland and the EU is a matter for the Irish government.

Security Guards: Health

Lord Sarfraz: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the private security industry about protecting the (1) mental, and (2) physical, well-being of licensed professionals in that industry; and what steps they are taking as a result.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government and the Security Industry Authority are aware of the significant impact the pandemic has had on both the private security sector and the night-time economy. The Government has implemented a range of measures to support businesses during the pandemic.As required by the Private Security Industry Act 2001, the Security Industry Authority regulates the private security sector and advises Home Office Ministers regarding its role and functions. However, all matters regarding the deployment and well-being of private security operatives sits beyond the current regulatory regime and with individual private security businesses, as their employers.

Cabinet Office

UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland

Lord Moylan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effects of the EU’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on trade and commerce in Northern Ireland in the light of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland; and what consultations they have been offered by the EU on this matter.

Lord Frost: The Government has noted the EU’s announcement on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. In line with the provisions in Article 13(4) of the Protocol, as an act that falls within the scope of the Protocol, but which neither amends nor replaces a Union act listed in the Annexes to this Protocol, it is a matter for the Joint Committee to determine whether it should apply in Northern Ireland. The EU has informed the UK of its proposal, as required by the Protocol, and we will carefully consider its impact on Northern Ireland and the UK’s internal market, ahead of future discussions in the Joint Committee.

Treasury

Overseas Companies

Lord Oates: To ask Her Majesty's Government what requirements UK companies have to conduct due diligence on the source of funds when selling goods to (1) members of, or (2) representatives of the (a) government of Zimbabwe, and (b) governments of other countries, where widespread corruption is evident.

Lord Oates: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they willinvestigate the due diligence conducted by GVE London into the funds allegedly used by a Zimbabwe minister to purchase a Rolls Royce Phantom.

Lord Oates: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with (1) the Bank of England, and (2) the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, regarding foreign currency regulations; and whether those regulations were complied with during the reported purchase of a Rolls Royce Phantom for a minister in the government of Zimbabwe.

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government has not had specific discussions with the Bank of England or Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on this issue. The UK does not have any foreign currency controls in place. Separately, under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), regulated entities are required to conduct enhanced due diligence if a transaction or a business relationship involves a ‘politically exposed person’ such as a Minister from another country. The MLRs also require that regulated entities conduct enhanced due diligence on transactions and businesses relationships involving individuals established in a high risk country. The UK’s High Risk Countries list is specified under the MLRs and aligns with assessments made by the Financial Action Taskforce, the global anti-money laundering standard setter. Where financial institutions are in scope of the MLRs, they are supervised by the FCA. Where high value dealers are in scope of the MLRs, they are supervised by HMRC.

Workplace Pensions

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much was invested by (1) the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme, (2) the NHS Pension Scheme, (3) the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, (4) the Local Government Pension Scheme, (5) the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme, and (6) the Armed Forces Pension Scheme, into (a) Alibaba, (b) Tencent, (c) China Construction Bank, (d) China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, and (e) China National Offshore Oil Corporation, between 2014 and 2020.

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The main unfunded public service pension schemes have not invested in any of the mentioned companies. Most Public Service Pension schemes are unfunded Defined Benefit pension schemes, with the exception of the Local Government Pension Scheme. Members’ pension benefits are set out in statute and there is no fund of assets from which pension benefits are paid. Employer and employee contributions are paid to the relevant public service pension scheme, but these contributions are not invested. Instead, the public service pension scheme uses the contributions to meet the cost of pensions in payment. Where there is a difference between pensions in payment and total contributions, the difference is made up by HMT through Annually Managed Expenditure (AME). The Local Government Pension Scheme is a funded scheme in which all the assets are owned by the administering authorities, which are responsible for the management of their investments. The data requested is not held centrally.

Infrastructure and Projects Authority

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Annual Report on Major Projects 2020–21 bytheInfrastructure and Projects Authority, published on 15 July, in respect of the projects categorised 'red', what plans they have (1) to reassess the need for these projects, and (2) to cancel these projects; and what estimate they have made of the savings that would result from cancelling these projects.

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to theAnnual Report on Major Projects 2020–21by from theInfrastructure and Projects Authority, published on 15 July,(1) why historical data of eight years of 'amber/red' or 'red' colour ratings has been deleted, (2) why the HS2 project has been separated into Phases 1, 2a and 2b, and (3) on what (a) costs, (b) benefits, and (c) timetable, are the revised assessments of Phases 1 and 2b made; and what steps they plan to take to ensure these are assessed as 'amber' or 'green' in the 2021–22 report.

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The IPA is not responsible for the individual GMPP projects, and the decisions to re-assess, or cancel a project belong to the relevant Departmental Accounting Officer. The previous Delivery Confidence Assessment (DCA) rating colours for HS2 are not shown as this is the first time that the individual phases of the project have been presented in the IPA’s Annual Report, previously HS2 has been presented as a single project. The IPA will continue to work closely with all departments and delivery bodies, including the Department for Transport and HS2 Ltd to ensure efficient and effective delivery to drive construction innovation and capture and share lessons learned.

Small Businesses: Government Assistance

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have tooffer financial support to small businesses who will keep COVID-19 capacity limits in place.

Lord Agnew of Oulton: Throughout the pandemic, the Government has sought to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods while also supporting businesses and public services across the UK. To do this, the Government has put in place an economic package of support totalling £352 billion through the furlough and self-employed income support schemes, support for businesses through grants and loans, and business rates and VAT relief. Many of these schemes were extended at the Budget to provide continued support to businesses. In particular, the Government has made up to £25 billion in cash grants available over the course of the pandemic, to protect businesses in England and the jobs they support. Over £2 billion of discretionary business grant funding has been provided to local authorities via the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) fund, including a £425 million top-up announced at the Budget. A significant proportion of this £2 billion is still with local authorities and available to be allocated to businesses in need of support. Business Rates relief for retail, hospitality & leisure will continue until next April. Eligible businesses have paid no business rates for 15 months from 1 April 2020, and thanks to the 66% relief, which took effect on 1 July 2021, an estimated 90% of eligible businesses will see a 75% reduction in the business rates bill for the entire financial year. The Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) ensures viable businesses, including small businesses, continue to have access to Government-backed finance needed throughout 2021. The scheme will run until 31 December 2021. The scheme operates UK-wide, providing an 80% guarantee to lenders for term loans, overdrafts, and invoice and asset finance. To continue supporting the cash flow and viability of around 150,000 businesses and to protect over 2.4 million jobs across the UK, the Government has extended the temporary reduced rate of VAT (5%) to goods and services supplied by the tourism and hospitality sectors to the end of September. To help businesses manage the transition back to the standard rate, a 12.5% rate will then apply for a further six months, until 31 March 2022.